The Raw Nerve

Welcome to The Raw Nerve – the official Podcast of MS Australia – a conversation space for all things multiple sclerosis.Join us for news and views on the latest research, treatments, and advocacy efforts, as well as candid and informative interviews with our community; those living with MS and their families and carers, together with leading clinicians, researchers, and advocates.www.MSAustralia.org.au/podcast

The Raw Nerve is a business podcast hosted by MS Australia, with 86 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

MS Australia hosts The Raw Nerve, a business show with 86 episodes published.

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  The Raw Nerve

  Ep86 Funding the Future: The Next Generation of MS Research

  Aug 10, 202629 min

  Announced on 29 July , MS Australia's 2026 Mid-Year Research Grants support bold new ideas with the potential to transform the future of multiple sclerosis (MS) research and treatment . Every breakthrough in MS research begins with researchers asking questions yet to be answered. MS Australia is committed to supporting Australia’s leading researchers as they tackle some of the biggest unanswered questions in MS. In today’s episode, MS Australia’s Deputy Head of Research, Dr Fiona McKay, speaks with two of this year’s grant recipients: Dr Tal Koren from the Brain and Mind Centre at The University of Sydney and Dr Samantha Barton from The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health in Melbourne. Dr Koren discusses his work using advanced MRI techniques and artificial intelligence to better detect and monitor spinal cord damage in people living with MS. Dr Barton explains how human stem cell-derived ‘mini brains’ are helping her team study myelin formation and identify future opportunities to repair damaged myelin. You’ll also hear about our third grant recipient, Dr Carla Proietti , whose research at The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience investigates how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and genetics interact in MS , as well as details of MS Australia's National Symposium on MS Medications taking place later this year. The three innovative projects funded through MS Australia's 2026 Mid-Year Grant Round address our community’s top priorities for MS research , including causes and prevention, better treatments, and cures through cell repair and regeneration. Together, these projects explore the role of EBV and genes in MS, myelin in ‘mini brains’, and the use of AI for more sensitive MS monitoring. Join us to hear what these projects could mean for the future and what inspires and motivates this next generation of MS researchers.

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  Episode #85

  Ep85 Celebrating MS Changemakers: The 2026 MS Australia Awards

  Jul 26, 20261h 7m

  In this episode of The Raw Nerve , Host Jeremy Henderson, Head of Advocacy for MS Australia, and Co-Host Sharlene Brown , Chair of the MS Australia Awards Committee, spotlight the 2026 MS Australia Awards and remarkable people driving change, compassion and progress across the Australian multiple sclerosis (MS) community. As nominations open for the 2026 MS Research Award and MS Advocacy Award, Jeremy and Sharlene, who has lived with MS for 24 years, speak with 2025 MS Australia Awards recipients about recognition, why nominations matter, and how the awards highlight quiet achievers whose work uplifts, empowers and inspires people affected by MS. Guests include Belinda Bardsley from Austin Health , 2025 MS Advocacy Award recipient, who reflects on her passion for MS nursing , early education and support after diagnosis , the Back on Track resource, Foundations of MS Nursing Course and equitable access to MS nurses . Professor Bruce Taylor , 2025 MS Research Award co-recipient , discusses decades of research into MS , consumers’ growing role in research and the possibility of making MS preventable. Professor Helmut Butzkueven , also a 2025 MS Research Award co-recipient , shares how data, clinical care and the MSBase Registry are improving treatment decisions and outcomes for people with MS. Jan Miles, representing the Miles family and Team Walk for Jess , reflects on receiving the 2025 John Studdy Award and the family’s grassroots fundraising and awareness in Queensland. Together, the conversation highlights the power of recognition, the strength of the MS community, and the many ways people contribute through research, advocacy, nursing, fundraising, volunteering and lived experience. Our guests talk about giving back, the significance of their awards, and how you can nominate, recognise and applaud someone you know for their contributions. The MS Australia Awards spotlight people driving change, compassion and progress across the MS community. From researchers, advocates, volunteers and carers to longtime champions whose impact spans a decade or more, the awards recognise individuals, many living with MS, whose efforts uplift, empower and inspire. To nominate someone making a meaningful difference for the 2026 MS Australia Awards, complete the online form on our website by Sunday 6 September 2026.

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  The Raw Nerve

  Ep84 Friendship, MS and a Dog Called Bounty

  Jul 13, 202656 min

  In this extended episode of The Raw Nerve, Host Jeremy Henderson is joined by guest Co-Host Lisa Montague, Raw Nerve Producer and Public Relations Manager for MS Australia, for a warm and wide-ranging conversation with acclaimed Sydney author Elizabeth Lancaster . Elizabeth’s new memoir, 'Bounty: A Memoir of Friendship, MS and the Dog That Changed Everything ', follows her award-winning debut 'Marzipan and Magnolias ', which explored her relationship with her mother and the onset of her multiple sclerosis (MS). In 'Bounty', in which she is known as Libby, Elizabeth takes her story in a new and uplifting direction, reflecting on how a spirited rescue dog helped draw her back into the world. No two people experience MS in the same way, and so too everyone finds strength in their own way, as Elizabeth’s new book attests. Through Bounty the dog, we learn about MS and conversely, how dogs sometimes need to learn to be patient and considerate of their human companions. Told with candour, humour and tenderness, 'Bounty' explores friendship, illness, disclosure, identity, care, community and the restorative power of connection. In this episode, Elizabeth talks about writing through and about chronic illness, the emotional realities of MS, and the ways human and animal companionship can offer support, patience and unexpected joy. The conversation also touches on MS experiences and themes including symptoms , relapsing remitting MS , relapses , progressive MS , lifestyle changes, travel , accessibility, family, friends and carers , as well as the joys and challenges of dog ownership and the community found in local dog parks. Whether you are living with MS, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in a moving story about resilience, friendship and the bond between people and dogs, this episode offers insight, warmth and plenty to reflect on. For helpful MS contacts in your local area, visit our Support and Services page and explore MS Australia’s Lifestyle Guide for people living with MS.

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  The Raw Nerve

  Ep83 Frosty and Holty on Life, Mateship and MS

  Jun 15, 202638 min

  In this special episode of The Raw Nerve marking International Men’s Health Week 2026 (known in Australia as Men’s Health Week ), host Jeremy Henderson speaks with Bruce Frost and Andrew Holt from Narooma and Pambula respectively, on the stunning far south coast of New South Wales, about friendship, community, the great outdoors and living with MS. Diagnosed on the same day in 2001, Bruce and Andrew reflect on how mateship, active living and staying connected to their local communities helped shape their journeys with multiple sclerosis . From surf lifesaving and the George Bass Surfboat Marathon to mental health, resilience, bee keeping, the building industry, helping others and adapting to change, they share an honest and uplifting conversation about finding purpose, positivity and support through life’s challenges. Together, they discuss the importance of openness, staying active, their beautiful coastal surroundings, supporting and leaning into one another and maintaining strong social and community connections, particularly for men navigating health challenges. Our guests also talk about MS symptoms ; accessible dwellings, fixtures and fittings, the MS Readathon and provide helpful advice for others diagnosed with MS. Running from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 June, visit this additional Men’s Health Week Australia site for further details. For those living with MS, please reach out to your neurologist, MS nurse, or GP for advice and support. Visit MS Australia’s Support and Services page for helpful MS contacts in your local area, including MS Plus in New South Wales and explore our new Lifestyle Guide .

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  The Raw Nerve

  Ep82 Back on Track: New resource to support People Living with MS

  Jun 1, 202653 min

  Join us for a special episode of the Raw Nerve Podcast as we celebrate the launch of an innovative MS Nurse-led resource designed to support Australians living with multiple sclerosis (MS) amid MS specialist nurse care shortages. MS Specialist Nurses or MS Nurses are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team of specialist healthcare professionals providing support, education, advice, and care for people with MS and their family and carers. Developed by MS Australia and MS Nurses Australasia , ’Back on Track’ was likewise developed by expert MS Nurses, drawing on their combined 140 years of experience working in MS, together with lived experience contributions from the MS community. Today we take you to the MS Plus Wellbeing Centre in Lidcombe, New South Wales, for the 29 May 2026 launch of ‘Back on Track’: a series based on the PhD research of Dr Therese Burke AM. In a panel session chaired by Katie Snell, MS Australia Policy Manager, you’ll hear from ‘Back on Track’ presenter and project lead, Registered Nurse, MS Specialist Dr Therese Burke AM and her fellow resource presenters, Registered Nurse, MS Specialist Belinda Bardsley and MS Nurse Practitioner, Tim O’Maley. Rounding out the panel is MS Australia Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP) member Rachel Fallis. The launch of ‘Back on Track’ marks World MS Day 2026, with this year’s global campaign once again focused on the theme ‘My MS Diagnosis: Navigating MS together’. The World MS Day ‘Diagnosis’ theme highlights the importance of timely, supported diagnosis and navigating the critical early stages of life with MS. With one in three Australians living with MS lacking access to specialist MS Nurse care, this innovative new MS Nurse-led video and audio resource is designed to empower and guide people through their unique MS journey. Other speakers: Rob McClay, Executive Manager, Strategy and Client Impact, MS Plus George Pampacos, Chair, MS Australia Meaghan Osborne, President, MS Nurses Australasia Rohan Greenland, CEO, MS Australia Useful links: Back on Track MS Australia’s Living Well with MS Lifestyle Guide Local MS Contacts/Support and Services

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